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Questions for the Doctor   Questions for the Doctor

HPV Vaccine: Questions for your child’s doctor

Questions for the Doctor

HPV Vaccine: Questions for your child’s doctor 

HPV vaccines (shots) can help protect people from serious diseases. HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted disease. It can cause:

  • Cervical cancer in women
  • Genital warts and anal cancer in men and women

Doctors recommend that girls and boys get the HPV shots at age 11 or 12. The HPV vaccine works best when it’s given before a person is sexually active.

The HPV vaccine is covered under the Affordable Care Act. Depending on your insurance plan, your daughter or son may be able to get the vaccine at no cost to you. Talk to your insurance provider.

Use the following questions to start a conversation with your child’s doctor about the HPV vaccine.

What do I ask the doctor?

It helps to have questions for the doctor or nurse written down ahead of time. Print this list of questions, and take it to your child’s next appointment.

  • My child is younger than age 11. Is it too early to get the HPV vaccine?
  • My child is older than age 12. Is it too late to get the HPV vaccine?
  • I’m not sure if my child is sexually active. How do I know if the HPV vaccine is the right decision?
  • Are there different brands of HPV vaccine? Which brand do you recommend?
  • How many HPV shots does my child need?
  • How much time does my child need to wait between the shots?
  • What are the possible side effects of the HPV vaccine?
  • If my daughter gets the HPV vaccine, will she still need to get Pap tests to check for cervical cancer when she’s older?
  • What should I tell my child about preventing HPV?

For more information about the HPV vaccine, visit:

Content last updated on: July 31, 2012 Content Review by